THREE TO SEE
Lure
Chameleon , video still , 2012 © Helen Sear
FROM COMMON DIFFERENCES
Various Artists , St David ’ s Hall Expanding upon Diffusion ’ s overall question of “ where are we now ?”, From Common Differences explores themes of locality , community and otherness in order to create a multi-perspective dialogue that challenges the capacity of journalism and photography to challenge crucial issues in the 21st century , and regional issues related to identity and locality . A stark and thought provoking exhibition .
The Time Machine
Lindosol Power Station : Control Room ( frontal view ) 2012 © Edgar Martins
Victoria from Feminist , 2011 © Catrine Val
meaning of the photograph in contemporary visual culture with a keynote address by internationally renowned artist Richard Wentworth . Throughout the month there will also be free exhibitions , artist talks and workshops , schools ’ programmes and photographic rambles around the city . The Diffusion Publishing Weekend takes place from Sat 25-Sun 26 May with the Photo Book Fair , and on the same Saturday , the festival will also incorporate the already well-established Photomarathon event : a mass participatory creative photography competition . Ffotohive sees Ffotogallery Education team up with David Boultbee from the BREAD art collective to produce five online artworks which will only exist with the input of the general public . To get involved visit one of the five designated hives around the city , take a photo and tweet it to the project using the hashtag available at the hive and on the festival website . Over the monthm an interactive collage of the heart and soul of the capital will then be captured for all to see online . Pop-up exhibitions and the use of big screens will aim to further involve those perhaps initially unaware of the festival , and for those willing to get involved , the Diffusion website provides the perfect launchpad for many of the interactive photographic experiences . These immersive elements perfectly suit the festival ’ s aim of breaking down any financial barriers , and
High-rise
High-rise ( 23rd , bar ) 2007 © Peter Bobby
with most events and exhibitions free to attend , the festival aims to encourage people to overcome any fear they might harbour over visiting art exhibitions or venues they may have not previously considered . “ We want people to perhaps be surprised by the fact that they like things that they didn ’ t expect to like . For example we ’ ll be featuring camera-less photography at the exhibition ,” adds David . “ For me , photography is a very important medium in terms of expressing people ’ s lives and experiences , but it is also a completely open creative medium for people to work in . Diffusion highlights the role of photography as arguably the world ’ s most democratic and visible medium ; to record contemporary life as lived , to represent urban and rural experience , and to imagine a future-orientated new European identity .” Encouraging people to think more broadly about visual art , Diffusion explores a world of photography in a new and stimulating way that will offer a huge number of opportunities for the general public and photography enthusiasts alike to get involved and discover the world through a range of new and intriguing perspectives .
Diffusion Festival , various venues throughout Cardiff , Wed 1-Fri 31 May . Admission : free . Info : 029 2034 1667 / www . diffusionfestival . org
Happiness in Lithuania , 2012 © Mindaugas Ažušilis
EUROPEAN CHRONICLES
Various Artists , The Cardiff Story Another collective exhibition with artists exploring their own personal perspectives on Europe and it ’ s diverse cultures and people . The exhibition also sees the launch of European Prospects , a two-year project examining the role of photography and digital media in presenting an alternate view of Europe and European experience . ( pic above )
THE BROTHERS
Elin Hoyland , Norwegian Church Arts Centre Focused on the relationship between Harald and Mathias Ramen , two brothers who ’ ve grown up together on a rural farm in Norway , The Brothers captures the pair ’ s comforting routine which they ’ ve enjoyed for many years without great distraction of change . Hoyland ’ s work is beautifully framed and extremely contemplative in the apt setting of the Norwegian Church Arts Centre in Cardiff Bay .
BUZZ 11